Lanka IOC turns down request to deliver to CEB - Minister Gamini

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Minister of Power said that Lanka IOC has informed the Ceylon Electricity Board that it cannot deliver fuel as it does not have extra fuel stocks.

Minister of Power Gamini Lokuge said if any disruptions to the power supply are likely in the future, the schedule of power cuts will be released.

"A fuel tanker of the CPC has also reached the Port. We have held discussions with the Government to somehow release the shipment by settling the payment through the State Treasury at least. If we obtain that shipment of fuel, this problem will be resolved. The consumers are to pay in Rupees to the Ceylon Electricity Board. We don't get paid in foreign currency. Therefore, how can we pay in Dollars, when we don't have a foreign exchange," he told reporters on Tuesday (18) morning.